Let’s try this again.
After UNC coach Bill Belichick’s interview on “CBS News Sunday Morning” bombed with journalist Tony Dokoupil, Belichick has granted one with New York Giants Hall of Famer-turned-reporter Michael Strahan on ABC’s “Good Morning America” on Friday. A softer landing spot, perhaps?
Belichick’s interview on CBS on April 27 — which was billed for his book tour— was disastrous because of interference from his 24-year-old girlfriend Jordon Hudson. When Belichick, 73, was asked how he met Hudson, who sat off camera, she interjected to say that Belichick would not answer that question. In subsequent questions about his relationship, Belichick responded shortly.
The interview brought immense backlash to Belichick for how much influence he’s giving to Hudson, who has reportedly been involved in key decisions at UNC. Belichick said in a statement that Hudson was there to help and that a widely circulated clip was taken out of context after he explained his focus was on the book. CBS News responded by stating nothing was off limits.
Here’s how ABC is selling its interview between Belichick and Strahan, who beat him in Super Bowl XLII with the Giants.
Bill Belichick.
Everyone’s talking about the former New England Patriot — and now University of North Carolina football coach and legend.
Now this week, he’s live on ‘GMA.’ Michael Strahan, with Bill Belichick. The morning exclusive. Friday, live on ‘Good Morning America.’
Ted Johnson, a WEEI sports radio host and former Patriots linebacker who played under Belichick, wondered whether his former head coach was still capable of leading North Carolina after deciding to involve Hudson in key decisions.
“Those are bad decisions that make him and the university look really bad and raise questions about whether he is of sound mind or should be running the football team at the University of North Carolina,” Ted Johnson said recently. “It’s just something you have to really consider — question the decision-making from the head coach at this point for those reasons.”
Belichick has reportedly spoken with Brandon Faber, the former Chicago Bears vice president of communications, about getting his book tour back on track and potentially taking on a role with the football team. Faber was present with Belichick at a book-tour event at NYU last week, according to The New York Post.
On Friday, Pablo Torre reported on his podcast that North Carolina barred Hudson from the football facility, a claim that North Carolina later disputed.
“There is deep worry for how detrimental Jordon can be for not just North Carolina but Bill’s legacy, reputation — everything he has built and worked for over decades," one family source told Torre.
This weekend, Belichick attended Miss Maine to support Hudson, who finished third.
Thank you for relying on us to provide the journalism you can trust. Please consider supporting us with a subscription.